The Aetna Foundation Awards More Than $2 Million in Grants across USA to Cultivate Healthy Living

Category:

Dateline:

Public Company Information:

NYSE:

AET

"At the Aetna Foundation, we know that where you live has a profound impact on how you live"

HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Aetna Foundation today announced that it has awarded community
grants to 23 nonprofit organizations as part of its Cultivating Healthy
Communities initiative. This program is designed to promote healthy
eating and active living, strengthen health equity and advance
innovations that make it possible for people to have more healthy days.
The projects will benefit communities by improving health indicators
such as access to healthy foods, increased physical activity, reduced
incidences of bullying, more spaces for walking and biking safely and
more.

“At the Aetna Foundation, we know that where you live has a profound
impact on how you live,” said Garth Graham, MD, MPH, president of the
Aetna Foundation. “These grantees have a track record of positively
impacting what happens in schools, child care centers, parks, corner
stores and kitchen tables by giving youth and adults the skills and
information to make good choices. What’s most exciting is that these
grants put the power to stay healthy in the hands of community
residents—creating sustainable change that can improve health outcomes
nationwide.”

This funding addresses the need to improve opportunities for all
Americans—regardless of income, education or ethnic background—to take
an active role in living healthier lives. In 2014, 14 percent of
American households faced food
insecurity, and more than 23 million Americans lived in food deserts
— rural or urban neighborhoods more than one
mile away from the nearest grocery store. A total of $937,000
supports projects that expand healthy food choices for families.

In addition, children who are perceived as different, or socially
isolated, are more likely to be bullied. This puts youth in underserved
communities at greater risk of depression, decreased academic
achievement and health complaints. Grantees across 12 states will work
with youth and adults on these and other critical topics that impact
their community. Awards for anti-bullying projects total $400,000.

Since 2014, the Aetna Foundation’s Cultivating Healthy Communities grant
program has awarded more than $11.4 million in grants and sponsorships.
Cultivating Healthy Communities is a key part of the Foundation’s
overall multi-million dollar commitment to building a healthier world,
community by community.

In 2016, more than $2 million in grants have been awarded to the
following programs:

Organization

Project Description

State Served

Community Matters

Initiative to reduce bullying and cyberbullying at seven middle and
high schools by equipping students to intervene and speak up

California

Cycles of Change

School bike clubs in low-income areas that teach safe, urban riding
and promote biking as a viable way to exercise

California

National Conference for Community and Justice

Education of high school students so they can be lifelong social
justice allies and challenge all forms of bias-based bullying

Connecticut

Florida International University—Banyan Research Institute on
Dissemination, Grants, & Evaluation

Expansion of yoga classes to low income, racial/ethnic minority high
school students

Florida

St. Vincent’s Healthcare Foundation

Mobile health outreach pediatric nutrition and wellness initiative

Florida

2nd Mile Ministries

Summer camps and year-round after school programs to children in
Jacksonville

The Aetna Foundationis the independent charitable and
philanthropic arm of Aetna (NYSE:AET).
Since 1980, Aetna and the Aetna Foundation have contributed more than
$465 million in grants and sponsorships. As a national health
foundation, we promote wellness, health, and access to high-quality
health care for everyone. This work is enhanced by the time and
commitment of Aetna employees, who have volunteered 3.8 million
hours since 2003. For more information, visit www.aetnafoundation.org.